
Julie Andrews – Still Alive? Age, Husband, and Net Worth
Julie Andrews, the Oscar-winning star of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, remains one of the most beloved figures in entertainment history. Born Julia Elizabeth Wells in Surrey, England, on October 1, 1935, she has captivated audiences for seven decades. As of 2026, she is 90 years old and actively engaged with fans through social media and new writing projects. This article covers her current status, her marriage to Blake Edwards, her iconic film roles, and her recent work as the voice of Lady Whistledown on Netflix’s Bridgerton.
Despite recurring rumors online, Dame Julie Andrews is alive and well. She continues to publish children’s books and share updates via her official Instagram account. Her legacy as a performer, author, and cultural icon remains secure.
Is Julie Andrews Still Alive? Her Current Status in 2025
Julie Andrews at a Glance
- Full Name: Dame Julie Andrews (born Julia Elizabeth Wells)
- Age (2025): 89 years old (born October 1, 1935)
- Status: Alive and active
- Net Worth: Estimated $30 million
- Spouse: Blake Edwards (m. 1969–2010)
- Famous For: Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Bridgerton (narrator)
Key Insights into Julie Andrews’ Life and Career
- She is alive at age 89 and engaging with fans via Instagram and new book projects.
- Her role in Bridgerton as Lady Whistledown (voice only) introduced her to a new generation.
- Despite losing her singing voice after 1997 vocal cord surgery, she remains a beloved cultural icon.
- Her marriage to director Blake Edwards lasted 41 years until his death in 2010.
- She is the author of numerous children’s books and memoirs.
- She received an Academy Award, three Emmys, three Grammys, and seven Golden Globes.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Julia Elizabeth Wells |
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1935 |
| Broadway Debut | The Boy Friend (age 18) |
| Breakthrough Role | Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (1956) |
| Film Debut | Mary Poppins (1964) – Academy Award winner |
| Most Famous Film | The Sound of Music (1965) |
| Husband | Blake Edwards (married 1969–2010) |
| Children | Three (Emma, Amy, and stepdaughter Jennifer) |
| Recent Role | Voice of Lady Whistledown on Bridgerton (2020–present) |
| Highest Honor | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (2000) |
Who Is Julie Andrews’ Husband? A Look at Her Personal Life
Julie Andrews married film director Blake Edwards in 1969. Edwards was best known for creating The Pink Panther series and directing Victor/Victoria, 10, and S.O.B. The couple collaborated on several films, with Andrews starring in many of his projects. Their artistic and personal partnership lasted 41 years until Edwards’ death in 2010.
Early Life and Young Julie Andrews
Before she was Dame Julie, she was Julia Elizabeth Wells, a child performer on the British vaudeville and music-hall circuit. She began singing at age 10 alongside her pianist mother and singer stepfather. Her Broadway debut came at 18 in The Boy Friend, and by 21 she was the star of My Fair Lady, a historic success that cemented her reputation.
Family and Children
Andrews raised Edwards’ two children from a previous marriage and later adopted two daughters of their own, Emma and Amy. In total, she has three children (two biological/adopted and one stepchild). She has described family as central to her life, especially after Edwards’ passing.
Blake Edwards directed Julie Andrews in several films, including Victor/Victoria (1982), for which she received an Oscar nomination. According to an Achievement.org interview, she called their collaboration “a rare gift.” They worked together on more than five movies, blending comedy and musical theatre.
Did Julie Andrews Play in Bridgerton? Her Role and Recent Work
Yes, Julie Andrews lends her voice to the hit Netflix series Bridgerton as the mysterious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. She does not appear on screen; her narration sets the tone for the Regency-era drama. The show premiered in December 2020 and quickly became a global phenomenon, introducing Andrews to a new, younger audience.
What Is Julie Andrews Doing Today?
As of 2025, she remains active. She publishes children’s books—her most recent is The Enchanted Hour (2022)—and maintains an official Instagram account with over 489,000 followers. She has hinted at more writing projects. No upcoming film or TV roles have been announced, but her voice work in Bridgerton may continue if the series is renewed.
What Happened to Julie Andrews’ Voice?
In 1997, she underwent surgery to remove non-cancerous nodules from her vocal cords. The procedure inadvertently damaged her cords, leaving her unable to sing in her full range. She later described the loss as “devastating” in her memoir Home Work. Although she can still sing in a limited capacity, she shifted her focus to writing and public appearances.
Famous Movies and Legacy
Her most iconic films include Mary Poppins (1964), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, and The Sound of Music (1965), which became the highest-grossing film of its time. Later roles—The Princess Diaries (2001), voice work in Shrek as Queen Lillian, and narrating Enchanted—kept her in the public eye. She also voiced the narrator in Bridgerton, further extending her reach.
Contrary to some rumors, Julie Andrews does not appear on screen in Bridgerton. She provides only the voice of Lady Whistledown. This distinction is important because many viewers expect a physical cameo. Her contributions to the series are purely vocal, as confirmed by Wikipedia and Britannica.
Julie Andrews: Life and Career Timeline
- – Born Julia Elizabeth Wells in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England.
- – Broadway debut in The Boy Friend, aged 18.
- – Stars as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady on Broadway.
- – Film debut in Mary Poppins, wins Academy Award for Best Actress.
- – Stars in The Sound of Music, the highest-grossing film of all time.
- – Marries director Blake Edwards.
- – Vocal cord surgery, loses her full singing range.
- – Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
- – Blake Edwards dies; their marriage lasted 41 years.
- – Begins narrating Bridgerton as Lady Whistledown.
- – Active on Instagram and publishing new children’s books.
Clarifying Common Rumors and Uncertainties
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| Julie Andrews has died. | False. She is alive and active as of 2025. |
| She appears on screen in Bridgerton. | False. She provides only the voice of Lady Whistledown. |
| She can no longer sing at all. | Partially true. She lost her full singing range after 1997 surgery but can still sing in a limited capacity. |
| She is related to the British royal family. | False. She has no royal lineage. |
Why Julie Andrews Remains a Cultural Icon
Julie Andrews’ career spans seven decades, from Broadway to Hollywood to streaming. Her roles in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music defined family entertainment in the 1960s. Later work—including narrating Bridgerton—demonstrated her adaptability. Despite a career-altering voice surgery, she pivoted to writing and public appearances, maintaining relevance. Her enduring appeal lies in her grace, talent, and ability to evolve.
Her honors reflect that impact: an Academy Award, BAFTA, three Emmys, three Grammys, seven Golden Globes, and the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2022. She remains a cherished figure for multiple generations.
Notable Quotes and Authoritative Sources
“I have a very low tolerance for boredom.”
— Julie Andrews, Achievement.org interview
“The loss of my voice was devastating, but I learned to find other ways to express myself.”
— Julie Andrews, memoir Home Work (as cited in Britannica)
Key sources for this article include: Wikipedia, Britannica, Achievement.org, IMDb, Instagram, and Reading Rockets.
What’s Next for Julie Andrews?
Julie Andrews continues to publish children’s books and remains active on social media. She has hinted at more writing projects. No confirmed film or TV roles have been announced, but her voice work in Bridgerton may continue if the series is renewed. Fans can expect her to remain a public figure through book tours and select appearances. For more on her early co-stars, read about David Tomlinson – Mary Poppins co-star and the Kristin Chenoweth – Broadway and film career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Julie Andrews lose her singing voice?
She underwent vocal cord surgery in 1997 to remove non-cancerous nodules, but the procedure damaged her vocal cords, leaving her unable to sing in her full range.
What is Julie Andrews’ net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at approximately $30 million, accumulated from her film, stage, and book careers.
How many children does Julie Andrews have?
She has three children: two daughters (Emma and Amy) from her marriage to Blake Edwards, and a stepdaughter (Jennifer) from Edwards’ previous marriage.
Did Julie Andrews win an Oscar?
Yes, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Mary Poppins (1965).
Is Julie Andrews on social media?
Yes, she has an official Instagram account (@julieandrews) with over 489,000 followers, where she shares updates and book news.
What was Julie Andrews’ first film?
Her film debut was Mary Poppins (1964), directed by Robert Stevenson.
Did Julie Andrews ever perform on Broadway again after My Fair Lady?
Yes, she returned to Broadway in Camelot (1960) and later in the musical Victor/Victoria (1995).
Is Julie Andrews still married?
No, her husband Blake Edwards died in 2010. She has not remarried.
Does Julie Andrews have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
Yes, she was honored with a star in 1979 for her contributions to motion pictures.
What are Julie Andrews’ most famous books?
She has written several children’s books, including The Very Fairy Princess series and the memoir Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years.